With Denbighshire County Council again threatening to close a Denbighshire rural school, Clwyd West AM Darren Millar has written to the Children’s Commissioner for Wales asking her to consider the case.

Denbighshire County Council announced last month that it is proceeding to seek a further consultation on the  closure of Ysgol Llanbedr, despite the Education Minister overturning their previous decision.

The original proposal was to close the 150 year old school on August 31st last year, but at the end of January, the Minister, Huw Lewis AM, refused the proposal, much to the delight of parents, pupils and staff. But just weeks later Denbighshire County Council dropped the bombshell that it will again be considering closure.   

Darren, who is campaigning alongside staff, parents and the Church in Wales to save the school,  has now written to the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Sally Holland,  asking her to “assist in the situation”.

His letter states:  

“The local authority’s decision has impacted greatly on the pupils in the school and the uncertainty over its future is causing them a great deal of anxiety.  A number of parents of prospective pupils have been actively discouraged from sending their children to the school by local authority admissions staff in what appears to be an attempt to undermine the viability of the school.

“I would be most grateful if you could consider this matter, its impact on the children at the school and whether the UN Rights of the Child have been breached by Denbighshire County Council. I know that the local community would welcome your input.”

Darren said:

“I will not give up in the fight to save this fantastic school and I really hope the Children’s Commissioner can assist us. The way that Denbighshire has dealt with the whole situation is appalling and I will continue to do all I can to save Ysgol Llanbedr from closure.”

Picture Caption: Clwyd West AM Darren Millar and Cllr Huw Williams at Ysgol Llanbedr.